Betty Joyce Cator McClung

Betty McClung Obituary

Betty Joyce Cator McClung passed away on the morning of July 28, 2020 at her home on Lake Samish where she and her husband Reg lived for the past 65 years. Betty was born on December 30, 1930 in a sod house in the Panhandle of Texas in the midst of the Dust Bowl. She was the daughter of Bert and Mary Olene Cambern Cator. Betty graduated from nursing school in Amarillo, Texas. On December 29th, 1950 she eloped to marry Reggie McClung, the day before her 20th birthday. Back in those days nursing students were not allowed to be married, so she kept her marriage to Reg a secret for the first six months of their marriage. Thus began nearly seventy years of a love affair that grew stronger with each year. They moved to the Northwest in 1953. In 1955 Reg & Betty bought an old summer cottage on Lake Samish, renovated it multiple times, and have lived there ever since. Betty worked for many years at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the head nurse for obstetrics, then pediatrics and finally assistant director of nursing. For many years she also worked for Visiting Nurses. Reg and Betty spent their retirement years traveling between their home on Lake Samish, their park model in Sky Valley of Desert Hot Springs and their trailer at Lake Pearrygin. Betty & Reg were active members of Calvary Temple and then Hillcrest Chapel in more recent years. Betty's only sibling, Sis (Bertie Wells), passed away in 1994. Betty is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Reg, son, Steve McClung of Anchorage, Alaska, daughters Penny (Kim) Sherwood and Letha (John) Kerl, both of Bellingham. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Betty's family would like to thank the Whatcom Hospice care team of Lauren, Karen, Katelyn and Jennifer for their tender loving care of Betty and support for the family over the past few months. Whatcom Hospice is an amazing organization that is a tremendous asset and blessing to our community. Betty, called "Honey" by all her grand and great-grandchildren, was deeply loved and treasured by everyone who knew her. We rejoice with her as she has gone home to her beloved Lord Jesus and will be waiting to welcome each of us in our time.

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Published by Bellingham Herald on Jul. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty McClung

10 Entries

Jane Scodellaro

September 6, 2020

September 6, 2020.

Betty McClung - Obituary Response
By Jane Scodellaro, Delta, BC, Canada

As next-site camp neighbours, my husband Darrel and I met Betty and Reg at Pearrygin Lake (Winthrop WA) in the 1990s. It was a life changing experience for us as they became a big part of our world. In the early years we spent two summer months with our trailers side by side which eventually became five months.

Betty and I planned our meals and Happy Hours together almost daily. We also shared our hobbies which for me was crocheting while Betty, of course, loved her quilting. As a foursome we took day trips to nearby places such as Omak, Lake Chelan and Wenatchee.

Betty and Reg also introduced us to their home in Palm Springs where we became regulars at their Sky Valley resort. For two months each Spring we lived directly across the street from them. Here we shared and enjoyed daily life in their warm and friendly environment. We all had favourite places that we looked forward to and again enjoyed exploratory day trips of the region.

When we were apart they were there for us during the happy and sad times of our lives with either a phone call or letter. We have been truly blessed and gifted with them as best pals and surrogate parents.

Betty holds a special place in our hearts as she brought us great joy for almost 30 years. She has left a hole in our lives but we will cherish our memories of her.

Karen Olsen

August 3, 2020

We met Betty and Reggie over 32 years ago camping at Lake Pearrygin. We were immediate friends. Betty was always willing to help and teach anyone. She taught me several techniques for quilting and also how to put a binding on a quilt. I am a better quilter today because of Betty. Thank you Reggie and family for always sharing this beautiful lady. We will miss you Betty but will always have our wonderful memories of our time at Lake Pearrygin and our wonderful visit in Palm Desert. Love you, Karen Olsen

bob olsen

August 1, 2020

Bettys smile in the above pic tells so much about this wonderful lady. You could feel her love and care when she was in your presence. My wife and I lost our parents years ago and adopted Reg and Betty as our spiritual parents. We were fortunate to spend many summers with them at Lake Pearrygin. I thank my friend Reg of 30 plus years and his family for sharing this caring lady with us.

Kimmi & Mark Kitchen

July 31, 2020

We met Betty and Reggie over 25 years ago at Pearrygin Lake. "July Summer Nights" We had fish fry a, crawfish boils and off the wall challenges and tournaments. They told us these words to live by - "Only work enough to do this and the rest will take care of itself" Betty set a great example for us all to live by. Reggie and family we send our love!

Mary Jane Fisher

July 31, 2020

We met Betty and Reggie at Silverline Resort several years ago. Fell in love with both of them because of their friendship and their Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
She was a dear and precious lady!!
Love and prayers to Reggie and family!
Keith and Mary Fisher

Myrna and Roy Harmon

July 30, 2020

First time I ever saw Betty was at birth of my first child. She leaned over and told me her name was McClung
I loved her right then. Later years brought a connection through Patti and Tom Walton, visiting them in California and the last few years fishing at Lake Pearrygin until missing them when they were not able to come there. Reg and Betty shared their faith wherever they went and everybody loved them. Prayers for Reg and all of you.

Laura Gonzales-Crouch

July 30, 2020

she pierced my ear in junior high school! I also remember her giving me a hug in the hallway at St. Luke’s Hospital when my dad was there with a broken jaw. A beautiful family❣

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